Mimosa – Unusually Large

Q: I noticed the flowers of a mimosa tree above the canopy of the woods behind my house. I’m guessing it’s sixty feet tall. Is that unusual?

A: It’s unusual, and it may be the biggest in the state, but it won’t get much recognition. Scott Griffin at the Georgia Forestry Commission and says that they made a conscious decision not to include mimosa and other non-native invasive trees in their Georgia Champion Tree program. They do include a few non-native trees, like sawtooth oak and dawn redwood, but Chinese tallowtree and mimosa are flora non grata. You can get details on champion tree programs in Georgia and Atlanta at http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/champion-tree-nominating/